December 20, 2017

Borno/Yobe Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday said it generated over N100 million revenues, despite security challenge posed by Boko Haram insurgency.

The Commands Controller, Mr Joshua Angbalaga, made the disclosure at a
press briefing in Maiduguri.

Angbalaga said that the amount was generated in the past six months,
adding that the figure exceeded the target revenue projection of N62
million.

He explained that the revenues were accrued from levies on agricultural produce and livestock such as animals; sesame seeds, potash as well as hide and skin.

Angbalaga said that the command had intensified patrols despite the
security challenge in borders across the two states of the command.

The controller noted that only two of the 13 economic functional
borders were operating skeletal services due to Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast.

The controller disclosed that the command had lost 26 officers to the
insurgency in the past six years.

Angbalaga said that the command also seized 298 bags of parboiled rice worth over N2.7 million.

Other items impounded included two kilogrammes of cannabis, 70 jerry
cans of vegetable cooking oil and hundreds of used tyres.

He said that the items were impounded by men of the command, when some smugglers tried to import them into the country.

“Despite the challenges the command made tremendous achievement by
realizing N100 million as against N62 million targeted revenue
projection.

“Initially, we have 13 border posts; regrettably only Gamboru and
Giedam are functioning now due to Boko Haram insurgency.

“Nigeria borders Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republics. During rainy
season, import and export are very low because of bad roads.

“Borno/Yobe Area Command produces essentially agricultural produce” he said.

According to him, the command is working in collaboration with Borno
State Government and sister security organisations to enhance its operations.